Hi Friends and Neighbors,
We have really begun to feel global climate change in a drastic way this year. Before spring even hit, the apple crop had blossomed. Apples, normally the mainstay of the autumnal fruit CSA, are in for a difficult season; the early warmth in the winter, followed by regular frosts, killed many apple blossoms in early spring. Then heavy wind and rain blew away the second succession of flowers.
Many orchards in the region are expecting smaller yields this year and it’s not just here in our state or our region; the whole Midwest and parts of the Northwest are suffering from 80% crop loss in the apple industry.
Spring as a whole was great for us greens-growing farms. But the heat hit early, as you know, killing off the harvest before we could bring you tomatoes, eggplant and peppers. But the heat is not just the issue. Despite dramatic rain falls that keeps us above the board, the rest of the nation and really the majority of the planet is now in drought.
Wheat, corn and soy are already more expensive on the open commodity market, meaning milk, cheese, meat, and your regular slice will all soon be more expensive.
Here at Added Value have been mindful of the weather and conscious of your timely investment. We plan to continue to deliver high-quality, flavorful, nutritious foods grown in a way that respects the planet, you, your family and our neighbors. As weather changes we are making adjustments and look forward to sharing the bounties to come.
We are motivated by our partnership, thankful for the investment, and excited to share with you the fruits of our collective labor.
Ian
Now some notes from the farm crew.
You’ve probably all seen the garlic curing in the harvest station this past month; it is now ready and you’ll be getting some this week. It was a lot to process and sort out (the biggest, prettiest ones get saved to be seed for next year’s crop); thankfully we had a big crew of young people around today to help us out! Many hands do indeed lighten up the work load.
As for the rest of the share, all across the region and here in Red Hook the summer crops are starting to kick in one by one! We started harvesting tomatoes this week (though there are only enough for market so far. You guys will be getting them in the next couple of weeks) and the eggplants, peppers and cucumbers are starting to look pretty big. Some other things that might be in your share this week: dandelion greens, sorrel, onions, beets, kohlrabi, cooking greens (chard, collards, broccoli greens, amaranth), scallions, squash, arugula…
We’re thrilled to have peaches at a better price than ever before this week. This years peaches from Phillips Farm have been outstanding, and this week he has offered them to us for a special price. Given the anticipation of high prices in the fall for local fruit, we want to take advantage of every opportunity to provide our CSA with abundant fruit while we can.
Small fruit shares will be receiving 3 lbs of peaches; large shares will be receiving 5 lbs.
For now, enjoy the Red Hook red garlic and the beautiful peaches!
The Added Value Team
